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: We all use the term, and know what it means. Whence did it come? I know I'm often guilty of posting somewhat logical and usually anecdotal explanations of phrases that appear on this site. For this one I need some hard facts. Please help if you can.

One on-line dictionary says 1926 (but no citation), the OED has a citation from 1931. Both agree that it is American in origin, probably (or possibly) a variation of "gadget."